Agenda - Council - 12/20/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I Commissioner Jacobson adoption: introduced the following resolution and moved its RESOLUTION NO. 83-I A RESOLUTION DEALING WITH FEDERAL CABLE LEGISLATION, LOCAL AUTHORITY, AND CABLE SUBSCRIBER PROTECTION. WHEREAS, the provision of cable television service has already proven to be a valuable service to thousands of communities across the country and holds great potential to all cities; and WHEREAS, local governments have the responsibility for franchising cable television systems in their cities and for overseeing the implementation of those franchises once awarded; and WHEREAS, in most cases, cable television systems will likely enjoy ex- clusivity within a community and will be the only telecommunications medium with a direct link to the homes of citizens with its facilities using the public's right-of-way; and WHEREAS, the presence of a strong local government role in the overseeing of franchise agreements has worked to ensure that contractual obligations are carried out and the public interest served; and WHEREAS, S. 66 was approved by the United States Senate and is substantially the same as H.R. 4103, which is pending before the Energy and Commerce Committee of the United States House of Representatives; and WHEREAS, S. 66 is in direct conflict with Quad Cities Cable Cor~nunications Commission's policy in favor of local authority over cable franchises; and WHEREAS, the Quad Cities Cable Communications Commission recognizes that, "There are numerous substantive concerns among cities on various portions of the compromise including franchise renewal provisions, buy back procedures, and grand- fathering of existing franchises and RFPs"; and WHEREAS, S. 66 will enable cable operators to renege on franchise commit- ments in terms of service, facilities and equipment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Quad Cities Cable Communications Commission as follows: Section i. The Quad Cities Cable Communications Commission hereby opposes United States Senate Bill 66 and House of Representatives Bill 4105 and any other similarly formulated federal cable legislation. 1.1 That federal cable legislation not limit the option of local govern- ments to regulate the rates charged by cable operators for basic service should cities bel eve rate regulation is in the public interest.